Judge oversees hospital demolition

One of Bristol’s most graceful structures is suffering a most ungraceful death.

The 83-year-old Kings Mountain Memorial Hospital on West State Street fell into such disrepair after its closing that the city took the owner to court to force action. Circuit Judge Larry B. Kirksey held the owner in contempt when the months dragged on with no action. Now, as reported by the Bristol Herald Courier, it looks like the wrecking ball starts swinging next week.

As Bristol historian V.N. “Bud” Phillips wrote recently, “The wonderful old building that housed King’s Mountain Hospital has been standing vacant for many years, and now we must all say farewell to what was long one of Bristol’s grandest and best known landmarks.”